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FAO is recruiting for a home-based Expert on Climate Change (International Consultant on climate change): Apply Now

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Closing Date: 10 June 2025

FAO is recruiting for a home-based Expert on Climate Change (International Consultant on climate change): Apply Now

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Jordan Representative, and supervision of the Lead Technical Advisor the International Consultant on climate change (Curriculum Development) will implement the required tasks in close consultation with the national consultant of curriculum development, the Policy and Educational Reform Specialist, the Ministry of Education (MoEd), and relevant stakeholders.

Technical Focus

Curricula updates for climate change adaptation
Specialized university curricula (agriculture, architecture, water engineering)
Water conservation, climate-smart agriculture
Climate change adaptation and agriculture

Tasks and responsibilities

The Expert on Climate Change will be mainly involved in implementing tasks under Activity 3.1.2.1, the consultant will be based at the Ministry of Environment to support the project PMU. The consultancy/assignment will involve the following tasks:

• Curriculum Review and Analysis:

o Lead a comprehensive review of existing national curricula of university degrees related to agriculture/ water management (e.g. agriculture, architecture, and civil engineering).
o Identify gaps and opportunities for integrating climate change adaptation practices and technologies into the existing agricultural programs, water management, environment, and related disciplines
o Analyse best practices that will include climate awareness, risk analysis, adaptation, and mitigation approaches and strategies for climate change adaptation in educational programs.

• Stakeholder Consultation:

o Conduct gender-inclusive consultation with universities at project target governorates, including university staff, environmental experts, students, and policymakers to prepare the new curricula for degrees related to agriculture/ water management (e.g. agriculture, architecture, and civil engineering).
o Gather feedback and suggestions for curriculum improvements specific to climate change adaptation.
o Confirmation of the identified universities and faculties based on the conducted consultation.

• Curriculum Development:

o Develop an updated curriculum framework of university degree national curricula focused on climate-smart agriculture. The project will introduce into the national curricula of agriculture programs of universities key concepts of climate change adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, climate adaptive water management and climate adaptive technologies
o Collaborate with stakeholders, including educators, agricultural experts, and policymakers, to ensure alignment with university priorities and best practices.

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

o Develop a framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the updated curriculum, gathering feedback from educators and students for continuous improvement.
o Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the updated curricula, gathering feedback from educators and students

• Report on progress monthly:

o Submit monthly progress reports to the PMU team (6 reports).Address the comments raised during the clearance process of the assignment deliverables.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in agriculture, water management, environmental science, climate change adaptation, curriculum development, or a related field
At least 10 years of experience in curriculum development and educational reform in higher education, particularly in agriculture, water management, or environmental science
Working knowledge of English

Technical/Functional Skills

Strong knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies, climate-smart agriculture, and water management in arid and semi-arid regions.
Ability to review, analyze, and develop curricula that incorporate climate adaptation principles.
Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in gap analysis, needs assessments, and best practice reviews.

Selection Criteria

Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations, particularly with universities, policymakers, and environmental experts.
Proven excellence in report writing skills.
Strong Communication skills in English and Arabic (Speaking, reading and writing).

Additional Information

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Appointment will be subject to certification that the Expert on Climate Change is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.